Rousseau ~ Germany

Flower in Asphalt (1980)

Many years ago, a fellow music collector once told me that the absolute worst kind of progressive rock was the type that Rousseau is peddling on Flower in Asphalt. Of course he enjoyed more dissonant music, whether it be free jazz to avant prog onto experimental electronic. We shared a common love for things like Krautrock and complex prog rock (he certainly enjoyed bands like Yes, Genesis, and Gentle Giant for example). But Rousseau? Go away with that stuff. I bring this up, because I see his viewpoint in more than a few contemporary online reviews. So he was hardly alone.

My take is the complete opposite. I love the instrumental melodic approach the band takes here. Beautifully written with superb electric guitar and flute. Certainly Camel is the main influence here, and that's more than fine with me. It's true that the majority of the keyboards are some kind of late 70s string synthesizer, but that's OK with me too. It may all be a bit simplistic, but it's something I enjoy hearing over and over. And I've felt that way now going on 30 years. And I would think even the most hardened prog fan could appreciate the multiple themed 'Dancing Leaves'. A top level album for me.

Ownership: 

1980 Steyrer Disco (LP). Acquired in 2013. 

1990 Musea (CD). Booklet with history and some photos. Acquired in 1991.

1991; 1995; 4/23/10; 6/17/22 (review)

Retreat (1983)

The older I get, the more I appreciate bands like Rousseau. They exemplify the simpler joys in life. Of course not everyone shares this positive outlook, witness one RYMers wonderful and uplifting review, pasted here in its entirety for reference: "This symph rock abomination should come with a barf bag. Avoid it!". But music doesn't have to be discordant, angular, and complex to enjoy. For certain I'm not promoting banal music to gain position with commercial radio either. But one can still fall well within the guidelines of the broad based term progressive rock, without having to possess a doctorate degree.

Listening to tracks like 'China', 'Yago', and 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' makes you just want to crawl into the cover painting, sit under the large tree with a bottle of wine, a beautiful girl, and simply watch nature go by. No insane taxation, stock markets, nor geopolitical tensions to worry about. Just beautiful life. Sigh.

Of course one cannot escape the influence of mid 70s Camel in any discussion about Rousseau, a band that shares their romantic side. But also early Genesis at their most pastoral comes to mind. The addition of vocals on three tracks was not a good plan however, and completely ruin the vibe. 'One of a Thousand' and 'Incomplete' are good songs otherwise though. The album closer was a truly bad decision as it appears Rousseau was going for some sort of New Wave pop hit. Double dumb actually, and a terrible way to end an otherwise splendid album.

One personal story: In 1991 while backpacking through France, I spent a full Sunday in Retonfey (near Metz) at Musea's home. During the day, various musicians appeared in what seemed like an eternal revolving door. It was quite extraordinary actually. Very casual and fun. The last band to arrive were two members from Rousseau (closing out the reissue of this album actually). That night I had planned to train to Luxembourg. Instead, these two gentlemen drove me there on their way back home to Germany. A fond memory for certain and great conversation along the way!

Ownership: 1983 Sri Lanca (LP). Acquired in 1995.

1995; 1996; 4/17/18 (review); 7/4/26

4/17/18 (new entry)